Harshal and Kamindu Lead Sunrisers to their First Win in Chennai
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) achieved a significant milestone on Friday, April 25th, registering their first-ever Indian Premier League victory against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. An excellent bowling by Harshal Patel, restricted the home side, before a composed batting by Kamindu Mendis, secured a vital five-wicket win for SRH.
Harshal Patel Restricts Chennai
After being put into bat, Chennai Super Kings' innings lacked substantial partnerships. Debutant Dewald Brevis showcased his talent with an attacking 42 off 25 balls, and young Ayush Mhatre scored 30. However, SRH bowlers maintained pressure on a dry pitch. Harshal Patel was effective, utilising the conditions had an impressive figures of 4 for 28. He was supported by captain Pat Cummins (2/21) and Jaydev Unadkat (2/21). A spectacular diving catch by Kamindu Mendis to dismiss the dangerous Brevis off Harshal was a key moment. Despite some late resistance, CSK were held to 154.
Sunrisers struggled
SRH's pursuit of 155 began with early setbacks. Khaleel Ahmed struck with the second ball for CSK, and Anshul Kamboj removed Travis Head shortly after. Ishan Kishan anchored the initial phase, scoring 44 off 34 balls, but struggled. CSK's spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Noor Ahmad (2/42), applied pressure during the middle overs, claiming wickets, including Heinrich Klaasen, to keep the match competitive. When Kishan fell, SRH required 49 runs from just over six overs.
Kamindu Mendis anchored it well
Kamindu Mendis then played a crucial, measured innings for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Displaying calmness under pressure, he navigated the challenging pitch conditions and CSK's spirited defence. His unbeaten 32 off 22 balls, supported effectively by Nitish Kumar Reddy towards the end, ensured SRH stayed on track. Despite the presence of dew for a significant portion of the chase, Mendis focused on timing and placement rather than excessive power-hitting. SRH reached the target with eight balls to spare.
